Commonwealth Bank thanks all Australians for their contribution to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal

17 April 2009: Commonwealth Bank of Australia today announced it had collected over 40 million dollars on behalf of the Red Cross in support of the Victorian Bushfire victims.

Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Norris, said between the launch of the Appeal on 8 February and the end of March 2009, $40,217,106 was raised in over 215,000 transactions online, via credit card and through individual donations in Commonwealth Bank branches across Australia.

“The Commonwealth Bank has been proud to work with the Red Cross to help fellow Australians during this difficult period,” Mr Norris said.

“Whether it was one dollar or $100,000, the money from these donations can now be used to help rebuild affected communities and the generous contribution demonstrates the true spirit and solidarity of Australians in times of hardship.

“Channel 9 and Cricket Australia must also be commended, who in association with the Bank helped raise over five million dollars through the Commonwealth Bank Series Bushfire Appeal.”

Chief Executive Officer Red Cross, Robert Tickner, said the response from the public and business had been truly inspiring.

“The Red Cross is very proud of its strong relationship with the Commonwealth Bank and would like to thank the Bank’s customers for their efforts in making such an amazing contribution to the bushfire appeal.”

The Commonwealth Bank contributed $1.1 million to the Victorian Premier’s Bushfire Relief Appeal as well as implementing a special assistance package for those affected by the Victorian Bushfires.